Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 8

Written Answers. - Dublin Canal.

Eoin Ryan

Question:

85 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if a safety barrier could be erected at the water-edge at the Canal Bank between Portobello Bridge and Ranelagh, Dublin, in view of the number of fatal accidents that have occurred there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7363/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

Policy in relation to canals is to open them up for use by the public as an amenity to the maximum extent possible. The erection of barriers at the water-edge would not be consistent with this approach and could even pose safety problems for people using the canals themselves. Public safety is, of course, of paramount importance and, where this requires restrictions on public access, whether by the provision of water-edge barriers or otherwise, the necessary measures can and will be implemented.

I am advised by the Waterways Service that they have examined the area referred to by the Deputy and do not consider the erection of a barrier at the water-edge necessary in this location. There is a tarmacadam pathway approximately one metre wide along the canal bank and the path is no nearer than 0.75 metres to the edge of the canal. The stretch also benefits to some extent from the adjacent public lighting. There is a public footpath along the stretch on the opposite bank of the canal which is separated from the water-edge by a low wall. The canal towpath is not, therefore, the only walking route along the canal at this location and people who use it do so by choice rather than of necessity. Some low-hanging tree branches were cut recently to improve walking conditions on the towpath.